Working on a barge is a dangerous profession, but there are plenty of information and safety recommendations to follow in order to avoid injury. Getting on and off a barge, as well as loading and unloading goods, can be perilous.

This risk is influenced by various factors, including:

• Loading systems, ladders, and gangways must be adaptive to suit variances in ship sizes and lengths due to the absence of standards.

• Access solutions must be flexible enough to accommodate the ship's complete range of motion while remaining linked to it.

• Because of the fluctuation in height due to cargo and tides, access must be adjusted at any given time to be higher or lower.

Understanding the dangers of barge access

Understanding the dangers on the barge and at the port is the first step in finding safety solutions. The majority of the time, barges dock for one of two reasons: loading or unloading. Because most docks are designed for goods (rather than people), consider what could be obstructing employee safety when they board and disembark the barge. Reduce dangers by inspecting equipment that may be limiting space and making boarding more difficult and risky.

Falling into the water is also a significant danger. Even if personnel are wearing life jackets, there are additional risks that might result in serious injury or death besides drowning. The height of the barge, the architecture of the port, and the continual motion might result in employees being pushed between the barge and the dock.

Choosing solutions for access

Because of the aforementioned variables and concerns, it's critical to recognise that barge access solutions aren't universal. While each access strategy will be different, there are a few tools that you should have on hand.

• Ship towers should be adjustable to account for differences in barge equipment as well as height fluctuations caused by cargo or tides. They should also be capable of connecting telescopic or permanent gangways with precision.

• Gangways: Gangways should be light and incorporate safety rails to provide secure access to the barge. Mounting choices should be flexible and precise enough to meet the barge at the exact height required for safe access.

• Ladders: Select ladders that are particularly intended for nautical usage and are made of corrosion-resistant aluminium. For further safety, anti-slip rungs and railings can (and should) be included.

Existing barge access safety systems are being improved.

Don't become comfortable and overlook basic barge access safety basics after the correct solutions are in place. If the final result is damage or death, shortcuts will not help anyone save time or money. Makeshift gangways, as well as loose railings, insecure netting, and damp and slippery surfaces, are all undesirable. It's a good idea to establish a checklist to guarantee optimal barge access safety, which should contain the following key points:

• The gangway is kept in good shape and is well-secured.

• A guardrail with a minimum height of 33 inches is installed on either side of the gangway.

• Rails are taut and formed of wood, pipe, chain, wire, or rope.

• Each gangway is correctly cut and has midrails installed.

• If the gangway foot is more than 1' from the apron edge, a walkway is provided.

Because these criteria can (and do) change often, make safety training a component of onboarding new workers and continue to educate existing employees when OSHA guidelines are updated. Even seasoned barge operators who have been on the job for years should be informed of the basics as well as new restrictions.

Don't overlook lighting

Inadequate illumination is another disregarded barge access safety problem. Even if all of the solutions for employees to board and exit are in place, they will still require sufficient maritime lighting on the barge and pier to illuminate their way. LED lights have a longer life span and may be adjusted to fit any application while also supporting additional safety precautions.

When it comes to barge access safety, don't leave your personnel in the dark. Work with a maritime lighting provider that specialises in barge access safety solutions and can give high-quality advice and goods. For over 100 years, Van der Leun has worked with barge fleets and maritime decision-makers, and we can help you create a lighting system that provides safe and secure access on and off the docks for your most important assets (your personnel!).